Flaccidity

Definition:
Flaccidity (long pastern) is a disorder encountered in newborn foals characterized by hyperextension in the fetlock joints.

Symptoms:
The newborn foal propels on the heels or even the bulbs of the heel, whereby the tip of the toe lifts off the ground and the fetlock almost touches the ground. Most common on the rear limbs.

Treatment:
The DALLMER Flaccidity Shoe can correct this condition in as little as one week. The space between the horse’s heels and the shoe’s heels should be filled with a rapid-drying plastic material. The foal has to be walked for 10 minutes several times a day on a hard, even surface. This orthopedic measure leads to the fetlock standing erectly, and a reduction of the extension in the fetlock joint so that the foal can have a plane propulsion. After 10 - 14 days the hoofshoes are removed for hoof correction. If needed a new adhesive shoe is then fitted.

Please note: Due to the rapid horn growth on a foal, the adhesive hoofshoes should not remain on the hoof for more than 3 weeks.